The Most Energy-Efficient Listed Building in the Netherlands Now Home to GAMMA and Hoogvliet
19 June 2025The building on Steenovenweg in Utrecht, a listed municipal monument from 1954, has been brought back into use after a thorough renovation. It now holds an energy label of A+++++, making it the most energy-efficient listed building in the Netherlands. The newly refurbished site is once again home to Utrecht’s oldest GAMMA branch, a subsidiary of De Hoop Terneuzen, which has been at this location since 1972. In addition, a new Hoogvliet supermarket has opened its doors within the building.
Festive Reopening
On Wednesday, 18 June, the building was officially and festively reopened. With great interest from local residents, customers and invited guests, Rolf Keijzer, store manager at GAMMA, and Chiel Rowaan, supermarket manager at Hoogvliet, jointly cut the ribbon.
History and Future Under One Roof
The redevelopment, commissioned by Hoogvliet Beheer, was carried out with respect for the building’s history and an eye on the future. The striking concrete columns and classic arched roofs of the former flower auction have been preserved, while the building itself has been completely made sustainable. Previously consuming 40,000 m³ of gas per year, it is now ready for a fossil-free future. This project shows that listed heritage buildings can play a valuable role in the energy transition.
A Trusted DIY Store Returns
The revamped GAMMA store offers everything the Utrecht DIY enthusiast could need — from paint and hardware to a timber cutting service, tool rental, recycling point and key cutting service. Larger building materials are available through Click & Collect, making this more compact branch a fully-fledged GAMMA store. A sustainability advisor is also available in-store to offer customers free personal advice on energy savings, water use, and sustainable home solutions.
Rolf Keijzer, GAMMA store manager, said: “We’re proud to welcome Utrecht’s DIYers back to this special location. Together with Hoogvliet, we aim to create a pleasant, sustainable space that truly benefits the neighbourhood. As a DIY store, we’re proud to contribute to a greener future.”
This is Hoogvliet’s first supermarket in this district. It responds to the wishes of many local residents to have a convenient, affordable place to shop for groceries close to home.